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INDUSTRIAL INSPIRATIONS

Date:

2012-02-08

Coleg Menai Student’s Art Collaboration with the National Slate Museum

A new exhibition highlighting the work of over SIXTY students will be launched at the National Slate Museum this week.

In 2011, the National Slate Museum offered the students a series of one-day workshops with five local artists in different locations using different materials in order to create artwork for the Museum’s 40th birthday celebrations in 2012.

The project, part funded by the Arts Council for Wales, saw the students using various locations within the Museum, as well as working in the quarries at Dinorwig in Llanberis and in Blaenau Ffestiniog. Elen Wyn Roberts, Education Officer at the National Slate Museum explained further: “This project is a great opportunity for the students to work with such fantastic local artists. The artists involved were Howard Bowcott, Marged Pendrell, Luned Rhys Parri, Catrin Williams and Ann Catrin Evans – all of whom are examples of people in the area who have created a living through their work, and who use the surrounding area as inspiration.”

Indeed, three of the artists (Luned Rhys Parri, Catrin Williams and Ann Catrin Evans) are all previous Coleg Menai students who completed the Art Foundation course, which has been an added bonus, as Luned Rhys Parri explained: “I’ve enjoyed myself immensely on this project. It’s been a very special experience especially as I’ve been on the course myself and I’m sure quite a few young Welsh artists will emerge from it in the coming years. There were so many interesting things to draw and illustrate at the museum - it’s a very inspirational place and a fantastic opportunity to discuss and illustrate their heritage.

The exhibition contains a variety of pieces including paintings, sketches, mixed media and sculpture and has been an eye opener for the students as Siân Alun from Pwllheli explained: “We’ve had such good opportunities on this course to work with excellent artists who are so experienced and whose art and craft has left such a mark on us by giving us lots of fresh new ideas. The best experience has being inspired by our culture and the ‘atmosphere’ of the quarries which will hopefully give our work some added depth!” Jeni Farrell, Art and Design Programme Manager commented: “The WJEC Foundation Course at Coleg Menai enjoys an excellent reputation throughout Wales. This is a direct result of the expertise and commitment of the professional team of staff. Periodically the course will engage with outside agencies to undertake live briefs and engage with the community. These enterprises are always welcomed as an opportunity for the students to gain greater understanding of the world.”

The exhibition can be seen on site until 30th April 2012. For more information on the National Slate Museum’s projects and events, please visit www.museumwales.ac.uk or call the Museum on (01286) 873707. For more information on Coleg Menai’s Art and Design courses, please visit www.menai.ac.uk/courses or call our Course Advice Line on (01248) 383333.

Ends

Notes:

The workshops took place between 4 October until 17 October 2011 For more information on the project or to obtain photographs please contact Julie Williams, Marketing Officer at the National Slate Museum on (01286) 873707 or Julie.Williams@museumwales.ac.uk.